Plant-based protein comes from sources such as legumes, cereals, nuts, and vegetables. Unlike animal protein, it contains no cholesterol and is typically rich in fibre and antioxidants, making it an excellent option for those seeking a balanced and sustainable diet. Companies like Sanygran develop innovative products such as hummus, tofu, and plant-based burgers, offering protein-rich options for both the industry and for retail and food service.

Types of Plant-Based Proteins

Plant-based proteins come from different sources. In the following table, you can see the main types and some related products from Sanygran:

Legumes

Lentils, chickpeas, and peas are essential sources of plant-based proteins.

Grains

Quinoa, amaranth, and rice are rich in protein and other essential nutrients. Additionally, they provide fibre and important vitamins.

Nuts & seeds

Walnuts, chia, sunflower, and sesame provide protein and healthy fats. Regular consumption can supply energy and key nutrients such as antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

Soy-Based Products

Tofu and tempeh are versatile and nutritious sources of plant-based protein. Soy is one of the most complete sources of plant protein, containing all the essential amino acids.

Vegetables

Kale, spinach, broccoli, and other vegetables are also an excellent source of protein, though their concentration is not as high.

How is Plant-Based Protein Made?

Depending on the type of application (whether for food products or supplements), the method of extracting and processing these proteins can vary. Here is an overview of how plant-based proteins are extracted, with a focus on Sanygran’s activity:

1. Ingredient Selection

Yellow pea, a rich source of protein that is easy to digest and of high quality, is used.

2. Protein Extraction

The extracted protein undergoes a purification process to remove impurities and concentrate its protein content, resulting in high-quality protein.

3. Purification and Concentration

La proteína extraída se somete a un proceso de purificación para eliminar impurezas y concentrar su contenido proteico, obteniendo una proteína de alta calidad.

4. Texturisation

Once purified, the plant protein is textured to achieve the desired consistency. This step is crucial for creating products like plant-based burgers, nuggets, and other plant-based meat analogues, mimicking the texture of meat.

5. Product Formulation

Finally, the protein is mixed with other ingredients to form final products ready for consumption.

The Importance of Plant-Based Proteins

Plant-based proteins are essential for several reasons:

• Health Benefits: They help reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
• Lower Environmental Impact: Producing plant-based proteins has a smaller ecological footprint compared to animal proteins, as it requires fewer resources and generates less CO2 emissions.
• Digestibility: Plant-based proteins are easier to digest and absorb by the human body compared to animal-based proteins.
• Sustainability: Choosing plant-based proteins promotes a more sustainable and ethical food system, supporting agriculture that respects the environment.

Plant-Based Proteins vs Animal Proteins

Combining Plant-Based Protein Sources

Incorporating various plant-based protein sources into your diet is essential for ensuring a balanced intake of nutrients. For example:

• Legume + Whole Grain and Seeds → Warm lentil, quinoa, and pumpkin seed salad
• Legume + Nuts → Chickpea curry with cashew cream
• Legume + Plant-Based Dairy → Pea soup with soy yoghurt
• Plant-Based Dairy + Whole Grain and Seeds → Oat porridge with almond milk and chia
• Plant-Based Dairy + Nuts → Soy milk, banana, and walnut smoothie
• Nuts + Whole Grain and Seeds → Soy milk, banana, and walnut smoothie

Incorporating diverse plant-based protein sources into your diet is essential for ensuring a balanced intake of nutrients. Companies like Sanygran are leading the way, offering innovative solutions to facilitate this transition towards more sustainable eating.

In this article, we explain what food extrusion is, how a food extruder works, and what products can be made using this process.
At Sanygran, we use dry extrusion and wet extrusion to develop innovative extruded foods, such as textured vegetable proteins (TVP), extruded snacks, and functional flours. Thanks to our advanced technology, we achieve unique textures and enhance the nutritional value of extruded foods.

What is food extrusion?

Food extrusion is a process that transforms ingredients using heat, pressure, and moisture. It modifies the structure of raw materials, allowing the creation of products with new textures and functionalities.
This technique is widely used in the production of textured vegetable proteins (TVP), breakfast cereals, snacks, extruded flours, and animal feed, among others. Its impact on the food industry has been key to developing more sustainable and nutritious products.

The food extrusion process

The food extrusion process consists of several stages, where specialised food extrusion equipment ensures the quality and consistency of the final product.

Step 1: Ingredient mixing

Raw materials such as flours, vegetable proteins, and starches are carefully combined in precise proportions to ensure the quality of the extruded food.

Step 2: Heat and pressure application

The mixture is fed into a food extruder, where temperature and pressure modify its structure. This step improves digestibility and removes unwanted compounds.

Step 3: Shaping and texturisation

Depending on the type of food extrusion, the product passes through a die that determines its final shape and texture. This allows for the production of textured vegetable proteins, crispy cereals, and extruded snacks.

Which foods can be extruded?

Food extrusion is applied to various products to enhance their texture and functionality.

Textured vegetable proteins (TVP)

Through food extrusion, plant-based proteins are transformed into textures similar to meat, making them ideal for developing realistic and versatile plant-based products.

Breakfast cereals and extruded snacks

Thanks to food extrusion, cereals and snacks achieve their characteristic crispy texture and lightness, improving their appeal and shelf life.

Extruded flours

The food extrusion process enhances the solubility and digestibility of flours, making them more functional for bakery applications and specialised nutrition.

Your specialist food extrusion manufacturer

If you’re looking for a specialist food extrusion manufacturer, Sanygran provides both dry and wet extrusion technology to develop innovative plant-based products.

We tailor each product to market needs, ensuring:

• Custom textures → Unique and versatile product structures.
• Improved digestibility → Processes that enhance nutrient absorption.
• Lower environmental impact → Reduced water and energy consumption for a more sustainable production process.

Contact us to discover how food extrusion can add value to your business.

The plant-based product market is booming, with more consumers than ever seeking healthy, sustainable options that align with their ethical values. If you are considering entering this sector with your own product line, at Alimentos Sanygran we help you develop innovative solutions. But first, let’s take a closer look at what it means to be vegan and its impact on the food industry.

What Does Vegan Mean and What Is Its Impact?

Being vegan goes beyond food; it is a lifestyle that avoids the use of animal-derived products in all areas, from diet to fashion and cosmetics. This choice aims to reduce environmental impact and prevent animal suffering. Many people start to wonder what vegan means in the context of food.
In practical terms, a vegan diet excludes meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, opting instead for plant-based alternatives. According to The Vegan Society, this approach significantly contributes to reducing carbon emissions and promoting the responsible use of natural resources.

Vegan Products: Sustainable and Delicious Alternatives

When we talk about vegan products, we refer to foods made exclusively from plant-based ingredients. In our company, we manufacture a wide range of solutions, such as:

• Organic hummus, creamy and natural
• Organic tofu in various flavours
• Plant-based burgers with innovative textures and flavours
• Meat analogues that replicate the sensory experience of traditional meat
• Breaded products such as vegan nuggets, burgers, and vegetable croquettes

The Growing Demand for Plant-Based Foods

The consumption of vegan food is not just a trend but a rapidly growing global movement. Younger generations are seeking healthier and more sustainable alternatives, driving the demand for plant-based products. According to a report by Euromonitor, the vegan product market is expected to grow by 9% annually until 2027.
Our private label plant-based manufacturing model allows businesses to take advantage of this boom without the need to invest in infrastructure or R&D.

How to Launch Your Own Brand of Vegan Products

At Sanygran, we specialise in the production of custom plant-based solutions. If you are looking to develop your own line of vegan products under your brand, we offer:

• Recipe development and customisation
• Large-scale production with high-quality standards
• Packaging and labelling tailored to your branding
• Advice on market trends and regulations

The vegan market is expanding rapidly, and now is the perfect time to enter. If you want to launch your own plant-based product brand, we are here to help make it a reality. Contact us and discover how we can take your project to the next level.

The ovolactovegetarian diet is a dietary approach that excludes meat and fish but includes dairy products and eggs. This lifestyle combines the principles of vegetarianism with the flexibility of consuming nutrient-rich animal-derived products. In this article, we explore what it means to be ovolactovegetarian, its benefits, and how to implement it in a balanced way.

What Does It Mean to Be Ovolactovegetarian?

An ovolactovegetarian follows a diet that excludes meat and fish but includes foods such as eggs, milk, and dairy products. This approach provides complete proteins and other essential nutrients without relying on meat.
Ovolactovegetarianism is an ideal option for those looking to reduce meat consumption without fully giving up animal-derived foods. Many consider it more sustainable and ethical, combining health benefits with a reduced environmental impact.

Benefits of Being Ovolactovegetarian

Adopting an ovolactovegetarian diet offers numerous health advantages. Here are some of the main benefits:

Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases

Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, help lower LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and improve heart health.

A Support Against Type 2 Diabetes

A diet high in plant-based, fiber-rich foods can enhance insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels.

The Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Diet for Weight Loss

Focusing on natural foods low in saturated fats and high in fiber makes it an effective tool for maintaining a healthy weight.

Helps Prevent Cancer

Antioxidants and phytonutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contribute to cell protection and may lower the risk of certain types of cancer.

Reduces Blood Pressure

A plant-based diet complemented by low-fat dairy products can help reduce hypertension thanks to its low sodium content and high potassium intake.

What Do Ovolactovegetarians Eat?

Ovolactovegetarians enjoy a wide variety of foods, such as:

• Fruits and vegetables.
• Whole grains.
• Nuts and seeds.
• Dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt.
• Eggs as a versatile protein source.

Nutritional Recommendations for the Ovolactovegetarian Diet

To maintain a balanced diet, it’s important to include a variety of foods:

• Proteins: Eggs, legumes, and dairy products.
• Iron: Spinach, legumes, and fortified cereals.
• Calcium: Milk, yogurt, and leafy green vegetables.
• Vitamin B12: Supplements or fortified foods.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Walnuts, flaxseeds, and canola oil.

Nutritional Deficiencies in Ovolactovegetarian Food

While rich in nutrients, this diet may lack:

• Vitamin B12: Take supplements or eat fortified foods.
• Iron: Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C to enhance absorption.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Incorporate plant-based oils and seeds.

The Ovo-Lacto Vegetarian Diet: Examples

Here are examples of a daily lacto-ovo vegetarian meal plan:

• Breakfast: Wholemeal toast with avocado and poached eggs, accompanied by a handful of chia seeds or walnuts for an extra boost of energy and omega-3.
• Lunch: Warm quinoa salad with fresh spinach, crispy walnuts, and feta cheese, dressed with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and lemon, adding a fresh, healthy dose of fats.
• Dinner: Obrador Sorribas organic burger, served with baked sweet potatoes or regular potatoes and a side of roasted vegetables (zucchini, aubergine, onions, peppers…), rich in antioxidants and fibre.
• Snacks: Natural yoghurt with seasonal fresh fruit and a touch of honey, or a handful of mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios), providing healthy protein and fats.

The ovolactovegetarian diet is a healthy and sustainable choice that can easily adapt to various lifestyles. Whether for ethical, health, or environmental reasons, this approach combines the benefits of a plant-based diet with the nutritional advantages of consuming eggs and dairy. Ready to try it? Your body and the planet will thank you!

The flexitarian diet is an increasingly popular approach to eating, encouraging a flexible emphasis on plant-based choices without the strict commitment to veganism. In this article, we explore the core principles of the flexitarian lifestyle, compare it with a vegan diet, and address common questions such as, “What is a flexi vegan?” and “Can you be partially vegan?”

What is a flexitarian diet?

The term “flexitarian” combines “flexible” and “vegetarian,” referring to a primarily plant-based diet that occasionally includes animal products. Unlike veganism, which excludes all animal-derived ingredients, the flexitarian diet allows for moderation, appealing to those who seek the health benefits of plant-based eating without completely eliminating meat, dairy, or eggs. This adaptable approach enables people to introduce plant-based foods at a pace that suits their lifestyle and preferences.

What is a flexi vegan?

A “flexi vegan” is someone who predominantly follows a vegan diet but occasionally makes exceptions for animal products. This approach mirrors the flexitarian lifestyle, yet with a stronger emphasis on plant-based choices. It appeals to those who appreciate the structure and benefits of a vegan diet while retaining the flexibility to adapt as needed.

Is flexitarian better than vegan?

Both flexitarian and vegan diets offer unique benefits and potential challenges, depending on personal goals and values. Vegan diets eliminate all animal products, which can lead to benefits like lower cholesterol levels and a reduced environmental impact. However, they may require additional planning to ensure adequate intake of key nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and protein.

Flexitarian diets, on the other hand, allow easier access to certain nutrients and may feel less restrictive, making them more sustainable over the long term. This flexibility supports a balanced lifestyle and reduces carbon emissions without the full commitment of veganism. So, can you be partially vegan? The flexitarian approach says yes, combining the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet with the freedom to adapt as needed.

The flexitarian diet offers an accessible and adaptable way to reduce reliance on animal products, making it easier for people to integrate healthier, plant-based foods into their lives. Whether adopting a fully vegan lifestyle or a flexitarian approach, the focus remains on increasing the intake of plant-based foods, supporting personal health, and lessening environmental impact.